Huge crowed gathers in County Waterford village to demand more garda resources
Crowed gathered at the vigil in Cappoquin on Friday.
Several hundred people gathered in Cappoquin in solidarity with a victim of a recent serious assault and to demand more policing resources.
The event held on Friday evening was organised by Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness and councillor Donnchadh Mulcahy.
The vigil was opened by local man Martin Reddy and concluded with a moment of silence followed by the lighting of candles across the town centre.
Deputy McGuinness said the turnout reflected the best of the community’s spirit and a clear demand for change.
“What we saw in Cappoquin on Friday evening was the strength of a community standing together — neighbours, friends, and families united by compassion and courage. People here are determined to make their voices heard. The Government must now listen.
He said rural communities have been “stretched to breaking point” as garda stations closed and resources cut.
The deputy called on the government to reopen the closed stations and ensure adequate garda numbers, visibility and responsiveness across the county.
“My thoughts and support are with the person seriously injured in Cappoquin last week, and with their family at this very difficult time.
"I also want to extend my solidarity to the Gardaí in Dungarvan following the recent unrelated attacks on members of the force.
"Our frontline Gardaí do incredibly difficult work under immense pressure.
"They deserve to be backed up with adequate recruitment and resourcing — a message that has yet to land with Government,” said Deputy McGuinness.
Cllr Mulcahy said West Waterford had been overlooked and under-resourced for too long.
Friday’s turnout shows people are worried and that has to be addressed.
“Friday night showed the very best of our community. The people of Cappoquin and West Waterford came together with strength, dignity and unity — to say clearly that enough is enough.
"We are proud of our community, and we will not allow fear or violence to define it.
“The Government must listen to the people of West Waterford.
"We need a permanent Garda presence, proper resources for rural policing, and a plan that gives reassurance and protection to our towns and villages.
"The message from Cappoquin is clear — our community stands together, and we are demanding action,” said Cllr Mulcahy.
